Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum artist Aloe Blacc is back with his highly anticipated album, “Stand Together”, marking his first collection of original music in five years.
Released under Grand Scheme Productions through Vydia, this album is not just a sonic experience; it is a powerful movement aimed at uniting communities and fostering social impact.
The album features 12 tracks, each paired with a non-profit organisation, thereby amplifying urgent causes that encompass substance use recovery, urban farming, and more.
"Music has always been a powerful tool for bringing people together, and I wanted this album to do more than just inspire - I wanted it to take action," Blacc remarked.
In his lifelong commitment to using his musical platform to effect change, this purpose-driven project is a culmination of his hopes and aspirations.
The album contains previously released singles such as "Don't Go Alone”, "One Good Thing”, and "Breakthrough”, each crafted to resonate with specific philanthropic initiatives.
"Don't Go Alone,” inspired by the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” aligns with The Phoenix, a national sobriety-focused organisation offering programming for those affected by substance use.
This song encourages collective resilience, urging listeners to tackle challenges together.
"One Good Thing" emerged from an impactful conversation with U2's Bono and The Edge, revolving around the legendary collaboration of social justice icons Harry Belafonte and Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
The song highlights the importance of finding common ground for meaningful change, serving as a call to action for community engagement.
The newest single, "Breakthrough”, encapsulates themes of personal transformation, drawing inspiration from the non-profit of the same name.
This organisation is dedicated to offering education and reentry support to individuals impacted by the justice system, aiding their transition back into society by instilling vital skills and confidence.
Additional tracks on the album tackle an array of social issues. The title track promotes cooperation and civil discourse. At the same time, collaborations with non-profits like Bonton Farms, Charity Navigator, and Café Momentum work towards urban food security, accountability for charitable organisations, and empowering justice-involved youth, respectively.
Each song thus serves as an individual beacon of hope, aligning with organisations working diligently to uplift underserved communities.
Blacc's intent with this album is clear: to highlight the incredible work of non-profits making a significant difference in people's lives.
"This is bigger than me - it's about the collective power of music to inspire and uplift," he stated.
“I feel it's important to use my voice to represent community leaders who are doing important work for the most vulnerable people. I want to spread positive vibes and joy to the world,” Blacc shared in an interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle”.
His understanding of the intertwined nature of music and activism reflects the legacy of influential artists like Bob Marley, Miriam Makeba, Bono and Bruce Springsteen who have successfully mingled their art with advocacy.
When asked about the role of artists as activists, Blacc expressed a nuanced view. As an African-American, he feels it's difficult to draw a line between activism and artistry due to a complicated history.
He affirmed the importance of music as a medium for social change, stating: “If it’s not entertaining and you’re not having fun, then I didn’t do my job. But if you’re having fun and you’re also finding a message that instructs you on how to treat people better in life, then I’ve done more than my job.”
The creative process behind his music is equally thoughtful. Blacc explained how he identifies stories to inspire his tracks.
For instance, the song “The Breakthrough” was born from his collaboration with a non-profit that assists previously incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into society and finding employment. “The story of what they do inspired the lyrics, which then inspired the music so that I could record this song,” he detailed.
Reflecting on his path to becoming an artist, Blacc revealed his beginnings in hip hop music.
“I started early, when I was very young, breakdancing with the kids in the community. The music was so infectious that I started writing lyrics and making my own rap songs.”
His love for music transitioned from a hobby to a career after experiencing a setback in corporate America.
As for his music today, Blacc describes it not by genre, but by a thematic approach he refers to as AIM - standing for Affirmation, Inspiration, and Motivation. He aims to create music that serves as the soundtrack to living one’s best life, inspiring listeners to achieve their most impossible goals.
Looking ahead, Blacc has set his sights on new ventures beyond music. He has partnered with a scientist to launch a biotech company named Major Inc., named in honour of his father who served as a major in the United States Marine Corps. This venture signals exciting new horizons for the artist as he continues to intertwine passion with purpose.
Lutho Pasiya’s picks on other artists who empower through their music.
- Chaka Khan: This pop culture icon and ten-time Grammy Award winner has captivated audiences across generations. Her anthem "I'm Every Woman" conveys a philosophy that embodies strength, passion, and empowerment - true to her African name 'Chaka', meaning 'Woman of Fire'.
- Jerry Butler: Known for his soulful voice, Butler's music celebrates love and personal growth. His compelling lyrics serve as anthems of empowerment, encouraging listeners to embrace their inner strength and pursue greatness.
- Gwen Stefani: With her 1995 hit "Just a Girl”, Stefani inadvertently crafted a '90s feminist anthem, critiquing societal restrictions placed on women. Her subsequent hits such as "Hollaback Girl" reassert her role as a champion of female empowerment.